Our tips for properly illuminating a tree with String lights
Left: Kirkland – Photo credit: Viviane Hervieux.
Right: Île-des-Moulins, Terrebonne – Photo credit: Annie Beauvais.
When it comes to enhancing a tree with String lights, it can be difficult to assess the quantity needed to achieve a good light density. Several factors come into play: the size and type of tree, the chosen style of decoration, as well as the type of String lights used. Here are some tips for a successful lighting project!
1. Adapt the quantity of String lights to the size and type of tree
Naturally, a large tree will require more String lights than a small one. But that's not all! The structure of its branches is also important. A tree with solid branches allows String lights to be installed further towards the ends, offering a more extensive lighting effect.
The type of tree also plays a key role. A deciduous tree in summer conceals part of the String lights behind its foliage, while in autumn everything becomes visible. Conversely, a conifer, whatever the season, masks the String lights placed in the background under its thick coat of needles. The result? At equal height, a conifer will require more String lights than a deciduous tree to obtain an equivalent light density.
2. Choose the right type of String lights
Not all String lights produce the same effect! Depending on the desired result, you can opt for Maxi String lights or String lights with removable bulbs, such as festoon String lights. These choices influence how the light diffuses and the intensity of the lighting.
Illustrated above: Maxi String lights on the left and Festoon String lights (removable bulbs) on the right.
3. Select the ideal dressing style
The String lights can be installed in different ways. You can arrange them around the periphery of the branches for an airy and natural effect, requiring less material. For a more spectacular result, you can opt for an « American-style » dressing, which consists of tightly wrapping the trunk and main branches with String lights. This latter style requires more String lights but offers maximum light intensity and a very distinctive effect.
4. Simplify your task with our illumination chart
Faced with all these variables, it's easy to get lost. That's why at Leblanc Illuminations, we've designed an illumination chart that tells you precisely the quantity of String lights needed based on the type of tree, the dressing and the chosen String lights model.
The deciduous trees are presented from left to right according to their height: 10'/3 m - 20'/6 m - 30'/9 m - 40'/12 m. Refer to the table below. (Maxi String lights)
| 10'/3m | 20'/6m | 30'/9m | 40'/12m | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi String lights | 5 | 8 | 12 | 20 |
| Festoon | Tree too small | 50m/50d or 100d | 100m/100d or 200d or 2 x 100m/100d | 2 x 100m/100d or 200d |
The deciduous trees are presented from left to right according to their height: 10'/3 m - 20'/6 m - 30'/9 m - 40'/12 m. Refer to the table below. (Maxi String lights)
| 10'/3m | 20'/6m | 30'/9m | 40'/12m | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi String lights | 6 | 15 | 20 | 30 |
| Festoon | Tree too small | 50m/50d or 100d | 100m/100d or 200d or 2 x 100m/100d | 2 x 100m/100d or 200d |
Photo above: a fine example of deciduous trees decorated with String lights in the American style. Photo credit: Julie Miller - Production: L'Île-Perrot
The conifers are presented from left to right according to their height: 10'/3 m - 20'/6 m - 30'/9 m - 40'/12 m. Refer to the table below.
| 10'/3m | 20'/6m | 30'/9m | 40'/12m | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi String lights | 6 | 15 | 20 | 35 |
| Festoon | 25m/25d or 50d | 50m/50d or 100d or 100m/100d | 100m/100d or 200d | 2 x 100m/100d or 200d |
- Want to illuminate a 20-foot fir tree with festoon String lights (removable bulbs)? Our chart recommends 100 meters of String lights with 100 sockets or 100 meters of String lights with 200 sockets for double light density.
- Do you prefer a 30-foot maple dressed in the American style with Maxi String lights? The chart will tell you that 20 String lights of 20m are needed for an optimal result.
Thanks to our expertise in lighting installations, we have refined this tool to help you in your estimation and project design. Focus on the aesthetic result you want to achieve, and let our chart guide you to bright and harmonious lighting!
Visualize the effect of String lights in your trees for free with our simulation service.